Hi there...
I use the PLV-100...and I too have had a permanet trach from day one. As I
posted before I just couldn't tolerate the mask. It was unbearable for
me...I was the one who made the decision to have the trach. I had one
temporarily before...I felt like it was a more comfortable option for me.
I need alot of suctioning when I have a cold/infection, or when I am tired.
Otherwise I can cough it up with little difficulty. Smoking...in
bars...restaurants bother me to the point of making me wheeze.
I usuall use two suction catheters a day....when I am infection free. My
boyfriend just rinsing them out with water and peroxide. ( I consulted with
my doctor before doing this) When I have an infection, I use a new catheter
everytime.
Does anybody have any ideas on the cleaning of suction machines? Sometimes
they can get rather stinky....even cleaning everyday. We have tried
everything but..it the smell can still sometimes be unpleasant.
Florence...I hope some of the insight my other vent users has helped you a
bit..like I said if you have any questions...please let me know.
Take care to all.....
Annette M. Hanna
nete1(AT)midamer.net